GRAND RAPIDS -- The Grand Rapids Board of Education is expected to pass a resolution tonight opposing the transfer of state School Aid Fund money to community colleges and universities.

Districts across the state have or plan to pass similar resolutions opposing Gov. Rick Snyder's budget proposal to divert some of the SAF funds, which have been used to finance K-12 public schools.

In March, the Michigan Association of School Boards called for resolutions "opposing the raid on school aid." On March 28, Northview Public Schools' board passed the "Resolution Against School Aid Fund Transfer to Higher Education."

"We want to raise awareness in the community about what's being proposed and encourage lawmakers to look at other options," said Peter Spadafore, assistant director of government relations for MASB.

Superintendents and administrators say when Michigan voters approved Proposal A in 1994, eliminating the ability of school districts to seek operating funds from constituents and shifted that responsibility to the state through an increase in the sales tax, they thought they were dedicating revenue for K-12. The Grand Rapids resolution says the transfer of funds will "debilitate the School Aid Fund and its ability to adequately fund public schools."

Besides for trying to convince lawmakers to oppose the diversion, school districts also want them to reject Snyder's proposal for a $300 per-student cut, on top of the $170 already budgeted. Grand Rapids is facing a $25 million loss in operating revenue if the budget passes and the smaller Northview would see a $1.6 million reduction.

The fiscal year 2011-12 and fiscal year 2012-13 school aid budget includes nearly $900 million spending from the SAF to support community colleges and universities, according to the Senate Fiscal Agency.

The Grand Rapids Board of Education is scheduled to meet at 6:30 p.m. at 1331 Franklin St. SE.